Manchester United have been heavily linked with Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, following Casemiro’s announced departure from Old Trafford.
Since the beginning of this season, and even more since Michael Carrick replaced Rúben Amorim, Casemiro has been a crucial player in Manchester United’s midfield – looking like the player Erik ten Hag first signed from Real Madrid.
However, the legendary Brazilian has already announced that he will be leaving Old Trafford in the summer transfer window, following the expiration of his current contract.
With Manuel Ugarte not exactly living up to his £50 million price tag, United will be searching for a new defensive midfielder to start alongside Kobbie Mainoo in central midfield.
Jason Wilcox may even look to sell Ugarte in the summer transfer window due to his two-year rule. Antony, Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana were all forced out of United because they hadn’t lived up to expectations during their first two seasons at the club – Ugarte could fall to the same fate.
Sandro Tonali is one of the options who have been linked with an Old Trafford move in the summer transfer window, but reports have stated that Newcastle United don’t want to sell the Italy international.
Tonali “will be moving this summer”
Many feel Sandro Tonali would be an ideal replacement for Casemiro, as he is one of the few midfielders with Premier League experience and the qualities United are looking for.
Speaking on The Inside Track Podcast, former Everton chief Keith Wyness said: “Well, we saw Tonali hit two great goals as well at the weekend in the FA Cup. Look, I do think he has got a good relationship with Eddie Howe, but I don’t think that’s going to change the fact that I do believe Tonali will be moving this summer.
“And I think Man United are still the club that I think he’s got his sights on, and they’ve got sights on him. So I’m afraid that, you know, yes, everybody’s going to be saying nice things right now, because why would you upset the apple cart at this stage in the season?
“And I do think he has a good relationship. I think Tonali is well respected by the fans. Those goals were excellent at the weekend. But still, I do think he’s going to be making that move in the summer.”
United fans would love Tonali for his passion and high energy without the possession, just as the Newcastle United fans do.
United must sign more than one midfielder
Tonali has only become a real option for Manchester United since the January transfer window. Before that, Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton appeared to be United’s main targets, and perhaps, they still are.
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Whoever they decide to go for as their man target, United also need to sign a backup option and let Ugarte leave the club. Jason Wilcox may also need to consider another playmaking midfielder to play second fiddle to Kobbie Mainoo, especially if United qualify for the Champions League.
Bruno Fernandes has moved back to his natural No.10 position, so he won’t be an option there, and Mason Mount is another who won’t be a deeper midfield option, so Mainoo is currently the only man who can play that role – not including young Jack Fletcher.
United must look at signing three new midfielders in the summer, meaning spending over £100 million on one target may not be a real possibility. That could rule out Tonali.
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